Security
News
How to Shoot Yourself in the Foot with Security, Part 2: To ACL or Not To ACL http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189889Are you having trouble unravelling the mystery of ACLs? Read about what not to do and learn about some common problems people face when dealing with ACLs.by Jesper M. Johansson
Security Learning Paths: External Threats Find out how to mitigate external threats in this month's Security Learning Paths feature.http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4212759
Security: spotting the scams
Give with care: tips for avoiding online donation scams http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4241955Make sure your donation counts by watching for and avoiding online fraud, especially in times of crisis. Video: what you should know about phishing scams http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4241956Watch this video to find out more about phishing email scams and how they are used for identity theft. Quiz: can you spot a phishing scam? http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4241957Phishing emails present a real and very dangerous threat to your online safety. Do the quiz to see how well you can spot the frauds in your inbox.
Open e-cards with care http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4244184Learn how to recognize and avoid fake e-cards by using the same caution you would with any piece of e-mail you receive.
Pharming: Is your trusted Web site a clever fake? http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4244185Learn to recognize the signs of fraudulent Web sites so that you can protect your credit card and personal information. ’Tis the season to avoid getting taken in an online scam
Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary for November, 2005http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/bulletin/ms05-nov.mspx Search for previous security bulletins http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992478 Security Bulletin Feed http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992479 RSS http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=3992480
Security Guidance in Visual Studio Team System - Agile MSFhttp://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4223547 Learn how to integrate security engineering into your software development practices. Web Services Enhancements (WSE) 3.0 ReleasedWeb Services Enhancements for Microsoft .NET (WSE) is a supported add-on to Microsoft Visual Studio .NET and the Microsoft .NET Framework providing developers the latest advanced Web services capabilities to keep pace with the evolving Web services protocol specifications.http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4223548
Microsoft WS-I Basic Security Profile Sample Application: HomeWondering how to build secure interoperable Web services with WSE 2.0, or are you interested in following the port of the application to WSE 3.0 ? You have come to the right place! This application based on the WS-I basic security profile draft illustrates a secure supply chain scenario.http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4223549
Visit the SQL Server Security Forum http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4223550
When Two Worlds Meet - "Infrastructure Security for Developers", the bits you need to know and "New Security Enhancements in Visual Studio 2005", the How? and Why?http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4223536
Top Stories
Steve Ballmer Details Microsoft's Security Strategy http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189890Microsoft is working to better secure its platform in three key areas: making the right technology investments, providing customers with clear prescriptive guidance, and partnering closely with the security industry, governments, and law enforcement.
The Administrator Accounts Security Planning Guide http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189891Make use of this indispensable resource when you plan strategies to secure administrator-level accounts in Microsoft Windows NT-based operating systems such as Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP.
Understanding Patch Management Options for Student Computers http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189892Educators: See Microsoft's options for student-computer patch management at your school or college.
Your Worst Security Risk May Work for You http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189893Get ideas about how to help your employees develop better security habits.
Security Guidance
Security Tip of the Month: Virtual Private Network Quarantine http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189894Viruses or worms that have infected remote access computers remain a threat to virtual private networks (VPNs) even though data is encrypted. This article explains how a VPN quarantine can help reduce possible intrusions by malicious software when a remote user tries to connect to a private network.
Network Security http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189895Explore resources that will help you develop, implement, and maintain a network security plan. You'll find a broad spectrum of network security guidance, from designing a perimeter firewall to increasing the security of a wireless network.
IEEE 802.1X for Wired Networks and Internet Protocol Security with Microsoft Windows http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189896Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP support both the IEEE 802.1X standard for wired networks and the Internet Protocol security (IPsec) Internet standard. The IEEE 802.1X standard for wired networks provides authentication and authorization protection at the network edge where a host attaches to the network. IPsec provides peer authentication and cryptographic protection of IP traffic from end-to-end. This white paper describes the security and capabilities of 802.1X for wired networks and IPsec based on industry standards and their support in Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, and provides comparison information when evaluating deployment of these security technologies.
Try Out Antivirus Protection Evaluation Software http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189897Download a free trial of Antigen for Exchange to help arm your e-mail server with powerful multi-engine protection from viruses, worms, and inappropriate content.
Checklist: Securing Your Network http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189898This checklist is a companion to the security guidance module, "Securing Your Network http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189914." Use it to help secure your network or as a quick evaluation snapshot of the corresponding modules.
A Technical Roadmap to Retail Store Security http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189899Learn about Microsoft's vision and strategies for retail store security. This white paper provides a technical roadmap to achieve this vision and discusses alternative solutions when infrastructure, cost, and complexity constraints exist. Download it today http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189915.
Help Secure Your Federal Agency with a Comprehensive Microsoft Solution http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189900The presidential directive Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201 mandates the implementation of a uniform identity management system to authenticate federal employees and secure federal information systems. See how a Microsoft FIPS 201 solution can help your agency meet compliance requirements quickly.
Downloads
Step-by-Step Guide for Secure Wireless Deployment for Small Office/Home Office or Small Organization Networkshttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=269902e8-fc41-4eb1-9374-44612e64f0fb&DisplayLang=en Improving Data Security by Using SQL Server 2005http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=cb112966-8d62-45b3-82f6-f8f88230f1f9&DisplayLang=en
ISV Chalk Talk - Vista User Account Protectionhttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=45667c90-43fc-40a4-a27e-cebac8b0bf9b&DisplayLang=en Microsoft® Windows® Malicious Software Removal Tool (KB890830)http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=ad724ae0-e72d-4f54-9ab3-75b8eb148356&DisplayLang=en IEEE 802.1X for Wired Networks and Internet Protocol Security with Microsoft Windowshttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d9aef757-f528-41be-a01f-99a60c9a855d&DisplayLang=en Web Services Enhancements 3.0 Hands On Lab - Exploring Securityhttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=9acd1f8e-97e2-43e2-b484-a74a014a8206&DisplayLang=en How-to Articles
• How to troubleshoot Windows Update, Microsoft Update, and Windows Server Update Services installation issues http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=906602• How to configure RPC to use certain ports and how to help secure those ports by using IPsec http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=908472
Events / Webcasts
Microsoft Security Webcast Series: Upcoming and On-Demand
NEW:Security Learning Paths Webcasts http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4067536Featured This Month: Internal Threats: Mitigate the Risks in Your Environment Today's IT Professionals must make a constant effort to protect resources and vital information from internal misuse. Learn about the risks, business challenges, and recommendations for protecting your network from internal threats. We will cover security risk management, assessment, and implementation for meeting your business needs.
Security Webcast Calendar <http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=37910>Find security webcasts listed in an easy-to-use calendar format.
Security Program Guide Learn Security On the Job. Without Putting It On the Line http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189933Applying Microsoft Security Guidance with Hands-On Labs http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189934Learning Paths for security - Microsoft training references and resources http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189935
Additional Live and On-Demand Webcast Series Available Now:Ask the Security Experts http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=1772880ISA Server 2004 http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=1772861Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=1772895Web Development http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=1838899
Upcoming Security Webcastshttp://www.microsoft.com/events/security/upcoming.mspx
Register for the following Webcasts on the link above
TechNet Webcast: Using Windows Event Logging to Enhance Compliance and Security (Level 200)December 01, 2005, 11:00 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Pacific Time
MSDN Webcast: Creating a Custom Security Solution for SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services (Level 200)December 07, 2005, 9:00 A.M.–10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Using the Security Configuration Wizard Effectively with IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 and Service Pack 1 (Level 200) - Part I (Level 200)December 07, 2005, 11:30 A.M.–1:00 P.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Exchange Server 2003 In Depth (Part 12 of 14): Client Security (Level 200)December 07, 2005, 11:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Securing SharePoint 2003 Sites with ISA Server 2004 (Level 300)December 08, 2005, 9:00 A.M.–10:30 A.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Microsoft Solutions for Windows Update Management (Level 200)December 12, 2005, 11:00 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Identity and Access Management (Part 1 of 2): Technical Overview (Level 200)December 13, 2005, 9:00 A.M.–10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Information About Microsoft December Security Bulletins (Level 200)December 14, 2005, 11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Using the Security Configuration Wizard Effectively with IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 and Service Pack 1 (Level 200) - Part IIDecember 14, 2005, 11:30 A.M.–1:00 P.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Identity and Access Management (Part 2 of 2): Details of Intranet and Extranet Access Management (Level 200)December 15, 2005, 9:00 A.M.–10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Securing Your Microsoft Operations Manager (MOM) 2005 Environment (Level 200)December 19, 2005, 8:00 A.M.–9:30 A.M. Pacific Time
Microsoft Executive Circle Webcast: Security360 with Mike Nash: Building a Multi-layered Approach to E-mail SecurityDecember 20, 2005, 9:00 A.M.–10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Implementing Multifactor Authentication Using Smart Cards (Level 200)December 20, 2005, 9:00 A.M.–10:30 A.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Regulatory Compliance Assistant (Level 300)December 20, 2005, 11:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. Pacific Time
MSDN Webcast: Creating a Custom Security Solution for SQL Server 2005 Reporting Services (Level 200)December 21, 2005, 9:00 A.M.–10:00 A.M. Pacific Time
On-Demand Security Webcastshttp://www.microsoft.com/events/security/ondemand.mspx Additional Security Resources
Security Help and Support for IT Professionals http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089281New and Improved Microsoft TechNet Troubleshooting and Support Page http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089282Microsoft Security Glossary http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089283Preview Microsoft SQL Server 2005 http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089284New Microsoft Windows Security Resource Kit, Second Edition http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089285TechNet Security Web Site http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089286MSDN Security Developer Center http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089287Sign-Up for the Microsoft Security Notification Service http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089288Security Bulletin Search Page http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089289Home Users: Protect Your PC http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089290MCSE/MCSA: Security Certifications http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcsa/mcsa_mcse.aspSubscribe to TechNet http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089291Register for TechNet Flash IT Newsletter http://www.microsoft.com/technet/abouttn/subscriptions/flash_register.mspxSubscribe to MSDN http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4089292
Security Newsgroups
General Security issues/questions http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189953Open with newsreader news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.security
Virus issues/questions http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189954Open with newsreader news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.security.virus
ISA Server http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189955Open with newsreader news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.isa
Windows 2000: Security http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189956Open with newsreader news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.win2000.security
Windows XP: Security Administration http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189957Open with newsreader news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin
SQL Server: Security http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4189958Open with newsreader news://msnews.microsoft.com/microsoft.public.sqlserver.security
Windows Platform
IT's Showtime! IT's Showtime! by TechNet is a high resolution video on-demand service featuring top rated presentations filmed in live Microsoft events and conferences. It provides IT Professionals anywhere easy access to our best technical expert presentations. http://www.microsoft.com/emea/itsshowtime/
Managing the .NET Framework v2 on Windows Server 2003 This session introduces IT professionals to the Microsoft .NET Framework version 2. Find out about the features and terminology of the .NET Framework and .NET programming languages. You'll also learn how to help secure, deploy, and update .NET-based applicationshttp://www.microsoft.com/seminar/shared/asp/view.asp?url=/seminar/en/20050518TNT1-161/manifest.xml
Microsoft Debuts Host of New Products and Solutions at IT Forum to Enhance Business ComputingIncreased investments in 64-bit, Virtual Server 2005 R2, new system management products, and the worldwide launch of Microsoft Dynamics GP all announced at IT Forum 2005.http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/nov05/11-15ITForum05UmbrellaPR.mspx
Newly Updated: Events and Errors Message Center Microsoft has launched a newly revised and expanded Events and Errors Message Center that can make it easier to find descriptions of what event and error codes mean. Changes include a new Advanced Search page, a Basic Search page, and a revised Message Detail page. http://www.microsoft.com/technet/support/ee/ee_advanced.aspx
Documents
Beta 2 Step-by-step Guide for Storage Resource ManagerThis guide provides installation instructions and step-by-step walkthroughs for creating quotas, creating file screens, and scheduling storage reports using the Storage Resource Manager component of the Microsoft® Windows Server™ 2003 R2 operating system.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=797eae62-ac88-4197-9236-38e777f58b9c&DisplayLang=en
Structured Active Directory Schema Management at MicrosoftDetailed discussion of Microsoft IT’s Active Directory schema change management process.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=544611fc-266a-43cb-a425-02b227bfc97f&DisplayLang=en
Updates to Understanding IPv6This white paper contains updates to the Microsoft Press book titled "Understanding IPv6," by Joseph Davies (ISBN 0-7356-1245-5) for changes in Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6) standards and their implementation in Microsoft® Windows® XP and the Windows Server™ 2003 family.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=42bf4711-27af-4c4c-8300-7bcf900de5c3&DisplayLang=en
DNS Step-by-Step GuideLearn how to deploy Windows Server 2003 DNS server service in a small (single-domain) network.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=15d276a5-4bf6-4add-9f67-56b38ccb576b&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Identity Integration Server 2003 Documentation RoadmapThe MIIS 2003 Documentation Roadmap describes the documentation available for MIIS 2003 and provides pointers to the current location of each document.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=add44cf4-2ef5-4368-bf4d-f831a0f650f8&DisplayLang=en
Virtual Server Host Clustering Step-by-Step Guide for Virtual Server 2005 R2This document provides an introduction to the methods and concepts of Virtual Server host clustering. With Virtual Server host clustering, you can provide a wide variety of services through a small number of physical servers and, at the same time, maintain availability of the services you provide. If one server requires scheduled or unscheduled downtime, another server is ready to quickly begin supporting services. Users experience minimal disruptions in service.
Virtual Server host clustering is a way of combining Microsoft® Virtual Server 2005 R2 with the server cluster feature in Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003. This document describes a simple configuration in which you use Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 to configure one guest operating system, and configure a server cluster that has two servers (nodes), either of which can support the guest if the other server is down. You can create this configuration and then, by carefully following the pattern of the configuration, develop a host cluster with additional guests or additional nodes.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=09cc042b-154f-4eba-a548-89282d6eb1b3&displaylang=en
IPv6 Transition TechnologiesThis article describes IPv6 transition technologies and how these technologies are supported by the IPv6 protocol for the Windows Server 2003 family, Windows XP with Service Pack 1, and Windows XP with Service Pack 2. This article is intended for network engineers and support professionals who are already familiar with basic networking concepts, TCP/IP, and IPv6. This article contains sections on transition mechanisms, tunneling configurations, 6to4, ISATAP, Teredo, PortProxy, migrating to IPv6, IPv6 automatic tunneling, and 6over4.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=afe56282-2903-40f3-a5ba-a87bf92c096d&DisplayLang=en
Virtual Server 2005 R2 Release NotesThese release notes provide information about how to install and use Virtual Server R2. They include information about performing new and upgrade installations, as well as descriptions of the new features and known issues of this release. It is important to note that all information about the new features available in this version is provided in these release notes. This new information is not included in the Virtual Server Administrator’s Guide or Administration Website Help.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=26b4a2f8-30ad-4740-8508-860749f4d188&DisplayLang=en
Beta 2 Reviewers Guide for the Distributed File System Solution in Windows Server 2003 R2This guide provides system requirements, installation instructions, and step-by-step walkthroughs for deploying namespaces and DFS Replication using the Beta 2 release of Windows Server 2003 R2.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2a5c6260-93ba-450a-8066-d0715f2b8a10&DisplayLang=en
Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet for Windows XP The Microsoft Color Control Panel Applet is a tool for Microsoft Windows XP that makes it easier for you to manage Windows color settingshttp://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=1E33DCA0-7721-43CA-9174-7F8D429FBB9E&displaylang=en
Windows Media Format 9.5 Software Development Kit (SDK) x64 Edition This SDK provides the documentation, samples, header files, libraries, and tools you need to develop applications that run on Windows. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=D9C6F6E0-DD2B-427E-9787-73312BB62532&displaylang=en
Microsoft Management Console 3.0 Pre-Release (RC1 Refresh) Microsoft Management Console reduces the cost of administering Windows-based applications by using a simple, consistent, and integrated UI and model. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=97C2AD9D-D537-4B64-A79E-4E58BAACFF7A&displaylang=en
User Profile Hive Cleanup Service Download the User Profile Hive Cleanup Service to help with slow log-off and unreconciled profile problems. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=1B286E6D-8912-4E18-B570-42470E2F3582&displaylang=en Events
Microsoft Desktop Deployment Workshops These free workshops offer high-value 'how-to' technical information, delivered by Microsoft consultants, aimed at removing the technical barriers to deployment and upgrading. These two day deployment workshops are designed to focus on Office and Windows deployment. Each full day will be delivered by Microsoft consultants, who will share their knowledge, experiences and insights into planning and deploying upgrades. Sessions will cover: Birmingham Regus, 7th & 8th December http://www.microsoft.co.uk/events/EventDetail.aspx?eventid=8398
Windows Server 2003 R2 WebcastsDid you know that there is a new version of Windows Server 2003 coming? Did you know there are new features coming in Windows Server 2003 that will help you extend your connectivity and control your management costs? Windows Server 2003 R2 is almost here. Built on Windows Server 2003 with Service Pack 1 (SP1), Windows Server 2003 R2 takes advantage of the stability and security of a proven code base, while introducing new features and scenarios. http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver/en/r2webcasts.mspx
Introduction to Windows Server 2003 R2Date: 7 December 2005, 18:30, Location: ReadingIn a rare UK appearance, Samm DiStasio, director of the Windows Server Product Management Group in Redmond will join John Howard from Microsoft UK to provide a technical overview of the first interim release of Windows Server 2003.https://msevents-eu.microsoft.com/cui/EventDetail.aspx?culture=en-GB&eventid=118765273
Windows Storage Server 2003Organisations are looking at NAS (Network Attached Storage) solutions for their file serving needs. Understand how Windows Storage Server 2003 appliance differs from a traditional file server and other non-Windows based NAS appliances.http://www.microsoft.com/emea/itsshowtime/sessionh.aspx?videoid=28
TechNet Webcast: Virtual Server: Advanced Scripting and Other Secrets (Level 300)Tuesday, December 6, 2005 - 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Pacific TimeMicrosoft Virtual Server 2005 provides a powerful selection of Component Object Model (COM) interfaces for manipulating all facets of a virtual machine. These interfaces can support everything from provisioning to day-to-day management operations. Join this webcast as we showcase the COM application programming interface (API) and demonstrate a range of scripting examples. We also demonstrate how partners are using the API to turn provisioning and management functionality into products.http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032285651&Culture=en-US
TechNet Webcast: How Microsoft IT Deployed Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS) and Distributed File Replication Services (DFSR) (Level 300)Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM Pacific TimeActive Directory Federation Services (ADFS) is a new component in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 that helps companies to extend their authentication infrastructure across enterprise and organizational boundaries. Come listen to engineers on the Microsoft IT team discuss the challenges and opportunities of designing and deploying an ADFS infrastructure.http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=55997
TechNet Webcast: Automating a Dev/Test Lab with Virtual Server 2005 (Level 300)Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Pacific TimeVirtualization can significantly reduce the cost of developing and testing complex, multitier applications. Are you ready to take advantage of this new, automated technology? Join this webcast to learn how virtualization is changing development and testing. The webcast includes real world examples of how Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 can automate the configuration, integration, and management of virtual machines. Virtual Server 2005 also enables more flexible deployments and increases developer productivity for better test coverage. Learn how you can provision and manipulate several servers “virtually” without using a lot of physical hardware.http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032285712&Culture=en-US
TechNet Webcast: Windows Server 2003 R2 Technical Overview (Level 200)Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Pacific TimeThis webcast provides an end-to-end overview of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2. We discuss three key scenarios: simplified branch management, identity management, and efficient storage management. We also examine new and improved features that are related to each scenario.http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032285747&Culture=en-US
TechNet Webcast: Administering and Maintaining the Branch Office Technologies in Windows Server 2003 R2 (Level 300)Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Pacific TimeTake a tour of the day-to-day operations that administrators are likely to encounter after they deploy the branch office technologies in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2. These technologies include distributed file system (DFS) namespaces, DFS replication, DFS management tools, DFS diagnostics tools, and the Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 Management Pack. This webcast covers a range of informative topics, including configuration, delegation, replication, monitoring, and the best practices that can help keep users at branch offices happy.http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032283989&Culture=en-US
TechNet Webcast: Virtual Server: Architectural Best Practices (Level 300)Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Pacific TimeToday’s information technology (IT) organizations are under pressure to reduce costs and prioritize spending on new equipment. Virtualization technology is emerging as an effective way to increase productivity and deployment flexibility. Virtualization can provide an effective way to consolidate production servers. Join this webcast for a discussion of using Microsoft Virtual Server in the real world and how you can apply it in your IT organization.http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032285717&Culture=en-US
TechNet Webcast: Identity Management and Active Directory Federation Services in Windows Server 2003 R2 (Level 200)Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Pacific TimeThis technical webcast focuses on the identity management scenario in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2. Our discussion includes a review of the Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM) and UNIX Identity Management features. We also provide an in-depth exploration of Active Directory Federation Services.http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032286158&Culture=en-US
TechNet Webcast: A More Secure and Well-Managed Infrastructure (Part 18 of 18): Product Road Map and Beyond (Level 200)Friday, December 16, 2005 - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Pacific TimeThis final webcast examines the Microsoft product roadmap. It shows where the various products discussed throughout this series are heading and how they will integrate in the future.http://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/EventDetail.aspx?EventID=1032282329&Culture=en-US
KB's
How to determine the appropriate page file size for 64-bit versions of Windows Server 2003 or Windows XPThe 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows XP can support more RAM than the 32-bit versions of these products. When lots of memory is added to a computer, a paging file may not be required. When you use the Pages/sec counter to measure paging file use, the value that is returned may not be accurate. To obtain an accurate measurement of paging file use, you must also use other performance counters. You can use System Monitor measurements to calculate the size of the paging file that your computer requires.http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=889654&SD=tech
How to configure RPC to use certain ports and how to help secure those ports by using IPsecThis article describes how to configure RPC to use a specific dynamic port range and how to help secure the ports in that range by using an Internet Protocol security (IPsec) policy. By default, RPC uses ports in the ephemeral port range (1024-5000) when it assigns ports to RPC applications that have to listen on a TCP endpoint. This behavior can make restricting access to these ports challenging for network administrators. This article discusses ways to reduce the number of ports available to RPC applications and how to restrict access to these ports by using a registry-based IPsec policy.http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=908472&SD=tech
When you restart a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 or Windows 2000 Server, the computer stops responding, or the "Applying computer settings" screen appears for longer than you expecthttp://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=905716&SD=tech
The Explorer.exe process may unexpectedly quit when you try to search for a file in Windows XP or in Windows Server 2003On a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Server 2003, the Explorer.exe process may experience an error in Rkadmin.dll and unexpectedly quit. To work around this problem, uninstall the Microsoft Windows 2000 Resource Kit.http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=900004&SD=tech
A hotfix that updates the IPSec Policy Agent is available for Windows Server 2003 and Windows XPThe IPSec Policy Agent (IPsecsvc.dll) manages Internet Protocol security policy. The IPSec Policy Agent starts the ISAKMP/Oakley (IKE) protocol mechanism. The IPSec Policy Agent also starts the Internet Protocol security driver that is available for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and for Microsoft Windows XP. The IPSec Policy Agent includes a set of remote procedure call (RPC)-based interfaces. These interfaces are used by internal Windows components.Microsoft has released a hotfix that corrects the behavior of the IPSec Policy Agent. After you apply this hotfix, the RPC-based interfaces return the correct status code that other Windows components require.http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=907865&SD=tech
Update for Windows Server x64 Edition (KB898900)Install this update to extend the functionality of the DFS Namespaces Client failback feature. When client failback is configured, and clients have this update installed, clients will fail back to a preferred local server if the connection to that local server is restored. After you install this item, you may have to restart your computer.http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=2de3ea37-3558-448c-a2be-d6c1f846453c&DisplayLang=en
New Books
Windows XP Networking and Security Inside Out Written by the authors of the immensely popular Windows XP Inside Out, this book packs hundreds of timesaving solutions, troubleshooting tips, and workarounds for networking and security topics--all in a concise, fast-answer format.http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/books/7110.asp
Microsoft® Windows® Scripting with WMI: Self-Paced Learning GuideLearn how to automate Windows administration with this hands-on guide from a scripting expert. Go beyond simple queries and get the inside track on how to write system administration scripts with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)—straight from a Microsoft scripting expert. With labs and lessons you complete at your own pace, this definitive tutorial helps you build your scripting expertise and provides the professional guidance you need to automate Windows administrative tasks.http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/8853.asp
Internet
What's New in BizTalk Server 2006?http://www.microsoft.com/biztalk/2006/prodinfo/whatsnew.mspx
Try BizTalk Server 2006http://www.microsoft.com/biztalk/evaluation/bts2006beta.mspx
Webcasts
TechNet Webcast: Securing SharePoint 2003 Sites with ISA Server 2004 (Level 300)Thursday, December 8, 20059:00 A.M.–10:30 A.M. Pacific Time
TechNet Webcast: Deciphering the Tools of the Trade: A Review of IIS Stress Testing Toolsets (Level 200)
Live Webcast, Thu, 01 Dec 2005 19:30:00 GMT
Are you new to Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS)? Have you been assigned to deploy 200 Web servers in the next year, but you don't want to configure all of those servers individually? You can easily use IIS Manager to create a set of sites and ...
A Technical Introduction to the Microsoft Solutions for Hosting
Live Webcast, Wed, 07 Dec 2005 17:00:00 GMT
Learn how to grow your business quickly and cost-efficiently with the Microsoft Solutions for Hosting! The solutions provide a set of tools, scripts, code samples and tested recommended architectures to help you efficiently deploy and operate hosted servi...
TechNet Webcast: Using the Security Configuration Wizard Effectively with IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 and Service Pack 1 (Part 1 of 2) (Level 200)
Live Webcast, Wed, 07 Dec 2005 19:30:00 GMT
In this two-part series, you learn about the updated Security Configuration Wizard (SCW) that ships as part of the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1. This first session describes SCW's built-in capability to tighten security across all Web sites...
TechNet Webcast: Using the Security Configuration Wizard Effectively with IIS 6.0 and Windows Server 2003 and Service Pack 1 (Part 2 of 2) (Level 200)
Live Webcast, Wed, 14 Dec 2005 19:30:00 GMT
This second half of our webcast series shows how the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Security Configuration Wizard (SCW) stores the configuration used to tighten security on the Web server. The SCW can help Web administrators and developers ensure that Inter...
Implementing WSUS with ISA Server 2004 to Manage Remote Clients
This paper describes how to deploy WSUS and ISA Server 2004 to manage remote clients.
New KB’s
How to use Microsoft ISA Server 2000 to publish an internal SMB Service
This article contains step-by-step instructions that explain how to use Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2000 to publish an internal Server Message Block (SMB) Service.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=906237
You may experience high memory usage on an ISA Server 2004-based computer that logs messages to an MSDE database
You may experience high memory usage on a Microsoft Internet Security and Acceleration (ISA) Server 2004-based computer that is configured to log messages to a Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (MSDE) database.
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=909636
POP3 clients cannot connect to an Exchange Server computer that is behind an ISA Server firewall.
This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to backup, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=909130
The prerequisites that are required to install SharePoint Portal Server 2003 SP2 on a computer that is running Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition.This article contains information about the prerequisites that are required to install Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2) on a computer that is running Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition.http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=905854